Phew: The department for international trade now has a chief economist

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The department was established after the Brexit vote (Source: Getty)

Emma Haslett

The chief executive of the office of rail and road has gone off the rails - after the newly-established department of international trade poached him to as its new chief economist.

The department, established after the Brexit vote, said today that Richard Price, who has run the office of rail and road for the past five years, has been appointed as chief economist and head of analysis.

He's previously held rose at Defra, the home office, the cabinet office and the Treasury.

Liam Fox, the international trade secretary, said Price's expertise will be "vital in building the analytical capability of the department".

The department for international trade will play a vital role after the government triggers Article 50 and begins Brexit negotiations in March.